Small vessel operation is not possible without official registration with the State small craft Inspectorate (SIMS), one of the key stages of this procedure is the application of the side number that identifies your vessel on the water. The absence of marking or its improper implementation threatens the owner with serious fines and a ban on operation, so this issue must be approached with maximum responsibility.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of applying an identification code, from decrypting symbols to choosing materials for different types of enclosures. You will learn how to avoid the common mistakes that beginners often make when trying to save time or use inappropriate paints. Compliance with established standards is not just bureaucracy, but an important element of safety on the water.
An incorrectly marked number can cause the inspector to arrest the vessel during a routine check of documents, to avoid unpleasant situations and lengthy proceedings, you should study the regulations in advance and prepare all the necessary tools, let's look at what the onboard number consists of and how it should look under the current legislation.
Structure and decoding of the side number
The boat number is not just a random set of characters, but a strictly structured code containing information about the region of registration and the type of vessel, which consists of 11 characters: one letter, four digits, two letters and two digits. Arrangement of location These elements are strictly regulated and cannot be changed at the request of the owner.
The first letter represents a series, followed by four digits assigned in the order of registration, followed by two letters indicating the belonging of the vessel to a particular region or type of small vessel, and the code ends with two digits - the region code of the Russian Federation. contrasting relative to the main background of the board.
The font size also matters: the height of the signs must be at least 100 mm, and the width must be at least 50 mm. the thickness of the font lines must be within 10-15 mm. Failure to comply with these parameters is equivalent to the absence of marking, which is an administrative offense.
Use industrial stencils to ensure that the proportions of letters and numbers are met, as hand-drawn drawings often lead to standards violations.
GIMS requirements for location on the body
The location of the plate depends on the type of boat you have, and for motorboats with a rigid hull (metal, plastic), the number is applied to both sides in the bow. For PVC inflatable vessels, the rules are slightly different, but the principle of visibility remains unchanged.
It is important that the number be located at a distance of 1/10 of the length of the vessel from the forehead, it must be well readable and not overlapped by structural elements, equipment or waves when moving, the inspector must be able to read the number from the shore or from another vessel.
- 📍 On rigid housings, the number is placed on the smooth surface of the side, above the waterline.
- 📍 On PVC inflatable boats, the marking is applied to cylinders, often on special inserts made of a denser material.
- 📍 The color of the paint should contrast sharply with the color of the body (black on white, white on blue).
There is also a requirement to duplicate the number inside the vessel, which is often knocked on the transom or inside of the side of the boat on rigid boats, which helps to identify the vessel if the outer markings are damaged or erased as a result of operation.
Selection of materials for rigid housings
For metal and fiberglass boats, the paint selection is critical, as the surface is exposed to constant water, ultraviolet light and mechanical stress. Regular enamel can quickly peel off, making the number unreadable.
The best solution is to use two-component polyurethane or epoxy paints, which create a strong, chemically resistant coating that withstands an aggressive environment, and before applying the surface, you need to degrease and clean to ensure maximum adhesion.
Alternatives to liquid paint are high-quality self-adhesive films (vinyl stickers), which are less durable than paint, but make it easy to replace the number in the event of a boat sale or data change.
For metal and fiberglass, the best choice is two-component paints, providing maximum resistance to abrasion and water.
Features of marking boats from PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) inflatable boats require a special approach, because the material is elastic and deforms when temperature and pressure change, and the hard paint on such a material will crack and crumble quickly.
PVC uses polyurethane-based paints or special inflatable structures that retain elasticity after drying and stretch with the cylinder material, and they need to be applied in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely.
⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone-containing solvents or aggressive primers on PVC boats, as they can disrupt the material structure and lead to depressurization of the cylinder.
Often, boat manufacturers already include special inserts made of denser material designed to apply the number, if such insert is not available, it is recommended to install it yourself before painting to ensure a smooth surface.
The drying process of PVC paint must be carried out at room temperature without the use of heating devices. Forced drying with a hair dryer can lead to deformation of the material or bloating of the paint.
Step-by-step instructions for application
The process of applying the number requires careful preparation and accuracy. Breaking the technology at any stage can lead to the fact that the marking quickly becomes unusable. Follow the instructions to get a professional result.
First, you have to prepare the surface: clean it, degrease it, and if necessary, lightly hide the application site for better grip, then you attach the stencil, and it's important to securely fix it so that the paint doesn't get under the edges.
☑️ Preparation for the registration number
The paint should be applied in movements directed from the edge of the stencil to the center to minimize fouling. It is better to make several thin layers than one thick one that can leak. After drying, the stencil is carefully removed.
The final step is to varnish the room (if you used paint that requires protection) or install a protective film, which will extend the service life of the marking and protect it from burnout and mechanical damage.
| Parameter | Hard case (Metal/Plastic) | Inflatable housing (PVC) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of paint | Two-component polyurethane | Special elastic for PVC |
| Preparation | Cleaning, primer, degreasing | Only degrease, no stripping. |
| Tool. | Brush, roller or spray gun | Just a soft brush or sponge |
| Time to dry | 24-48 hours | 12-24 hours (depending on temperature) |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong typeface or character size: Boat owners often try to fit a room into a confined space, reducing the height of the signs, which is a violation. Height standard 100 mm, and you can not retreat from it.
Another mistake is poor surface preparation, and if you don't degrease the sideboard or paint it on a wet surface, it will start to peel off after season one, and the color contrast requirement is often ignored, and the number blends into the background.
What happens if the number is crooked?
If the number is marked with irregularities (crooked, incorrect font, small size), the inspector of the GIMS has the right to issue a correction order, in the worst case it can be regarded as the absence of marking with a fine.
Cheap paint can not only quickly erase, but also chemically react with the material of the case, especially with plastic or rubber. Always check the compatibility of the materials before starting work.
Legal aspects and fines
The absence of a hull number or its non-compliance with the rules of registration is equivalent to the operation of an unregistered vessel, which, according to the Code of Administrative Offences, entails a fine, the amount of the fine may vary, but it is significantly higher than the cost of quality paint and stencil.
In addition, the inspector has the power to detain the boat and place it in a parking lot until the violations are corrected, which will entail additional costs and waste of time, so legalizing the boat and properly marking it is an investment in quiet operation.
The time period for application is not strictly regulated, but the operation of a vessel without a number is prohibited from the moment of registration.
Timely and correct application of the number eliminates fines and the risk of detention of the vessel by the inspection.
Care for marking during operation
Even a well-designed room requires maintenance, and after every release, especially in salt water or contaminated water bodies, it is advisable to rinse the sides with fresh water, which will prevent the accumulation of salts and dirt that can destroy the paint.
When storing a boat in the off-season, avoid direct contact of markings with sharp objects or abrasive surfaces. If you notice that the room has begun to dim or chip, it is better to update it in a timely manner than wait for a check.
Regular inspection of the labeling will help to identify problems in time. A small crack or chip is easier to paint locally than to repaint the entire room. Use the same materials as the original application to maintain uniformity of the coating.
Can I use a stencil made of ordinary paper?
It is not recommended to use regular paper, as it gets soaked from the paint and can break when removed, spoiling the picture. It is better to use dense cardboard, stencil film or ready-made reusable plastic template.
Do I need to register a change of number when repainting?
If the number itself (numbers and letters) does not change, but only the cover is updated, you do not need to register the changes. If you change the number (for example, when re-registering for another owner), then the new data must be entered in the boat's ticket.
Where can I get a stencil for the room?
Stencils can be made independently from dense film, ordering a print in an advertising agency, or buy ready-made sets in specialized stores for boaters and hunter-fishers.
What to do if you lose a number on an old boat?
If the number is not fully readable, an examination or verification with the GIMS database may be required to confirm the identity of the vessel before repainting.